Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a flavorful, easy one-pan meal combining browned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with herbs and a touch of heat. This hearty dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grains and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, to develop flavor and soften the vegetables.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Take care to prevent burning the garlic, as it can impart a bitter taste.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Mix in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot and let it simmer gently.
- Simmer Until Orzo is Tender: Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Check after 15 minutes for doneness; if still firm, continue cooking a few more minutes, adding extra broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish and add additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired to enhance the flavor and balance.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the ground beef orzo hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if you wish, adding freshness and savory depth to the dish.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Add red pepper flakes sparingly to control the heat level.
- Check the orzo pasta often toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan are optional but add great finishing flavor.
- If you want to make this gluten free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
